With its focus on balance and longevity, BY:ERA positions skincare as an ongoing dialogue with time, one that values patience, consistency, and clinical intelligence over quick fixes.
And while some may try to pigeonhole her into the 'curvy model' category, Tess couldn't seem more disinterested in being boxed in, instead filling her resume with jobs that supersede labels. She's not 'plus-size,' or a redhead, or even just a Texan—she's Tess McMillan. Everything else comes second.
In the midst of Fashion Month craziness, office Beauty sat down with the model to talk about her beauty regimen. If there's one thing we learned from our time with her, it's that Tess knows exactly who she is and what she wants—anything anyone else has to say is just gossip.
Read our interview with the model, below.
Top by CDLM, shoes by DROMe, veil by Eugenia Kim.
You’re from Texas—what commonalities surrounding fashion have stuck with you? What have you left behind?
Growing up in Texas, I was always taught to be super polite to everyone, so I try to bring that with me into every work space that I go into. Also, lots of older Texas women are really 'done up' and iconic with big hair, and that was an inspiration to sometimes go all out with fashion and beauty.
Some say 'a beautiful thing is never perfect.' What's your take?
I definitely agree with that. My fascination is always with people and things that are beautiful, but never in a super perfect way. I’m never into that glossy idea of beauty—it holds no interest for me, and it doesn’t feel real.
How has your experience with the idea of beauty changed throughout your life?
When I was younger, I always wanted to look a very certain way. Especially in Texas, it sometimes felt like, in order to be pretty, I should have long shiny blond hair, be shorter, be less opinionated, less loud. [It was] an image of myself that didn’t exist, but I really wanted to live up to. Recently, though, I’ve become confident in more of the less than perfect parts of myself.
Dress by Kim Shui, sleeves by Shay Galla.
What prompted you to get into the modeling industry?
It’s honestly been kind of a crazy—but super fun—snowball effect. I started out working with small photographers in Austin, and it just grew from there.
In another life, what would your occupation be?
I think I’d either be a portrait artist or an interior designer.
What makes you feel most confident?
I don’t know if this is kind of a basic answer, but I feel super confident when I’m wearing an outfit that I’ve put a lot of time into constructing and that I’m super into. It makes me feel like a boss.
Earrings by Janky Jewels, dress by Shay Galla, shoes by Gucci; dress by Miaou, top by Luar, shoes by COS, bag by Staud, scarf by Gucci, glassses by Moncler.
Do you think social media influences beauty trends, or is it the other way around?
This is like a modern day chicken or the egg question. I think they work hand in hand, but I would say mostly social media influences beauty trends. I know if I personally see someone do something really cool on instagram, I’m going to try it out for myself.
What beauty trend do you wish would go away?
I’m not super into heavy contouring. But at the end of the day, if people feel good about what they’re doing, that’s really all that counts.
What are the most vital elements of your beauty regimen?
Sunscreen all day, every day. I use a ton of moisturizer in the morning and at night. And non-foaming face wash! A lot of people don’t know that foaming face wash dries you out.
Veil by Eugenia Kim, dress by Kim Shui, sleeves by Shay Galla.
What's your biggest pet peeve?
Chewing with your mouth open.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given since starting in the fashion industry?
I think just all the people who have reminded me the importance of authenticity in this industry [have been the most important].
Follow @officebeautynyc for more interviews with our favorite makeup artists, Instagram beauty gurus, club kids and inside info from our office Beauty Committee.
Photo Assistant: Jordan Zuppa; Fashion Assistant: Shay Gallagher.
Fresh off a busy New York Fashion Week, Yasuda gave office Beauty the dirt, sharing her trend predictions for 2019 and her biggest pet peeves when it comes to nails. Read our interview, below
How does your passion for nail art come through in your work?
I’m really passionate about what I do. I feel one can wear their beauty on their nails and love can radiate through them.
How have you come into your success as a nail artist?
I always try not to pressure myself, and I’m always striving to do my personal best. I feel my artistic background fosters my career and I’m always growing and learning professionally.
From looking at your work, it’s obvious you can do both classic and super detailed designs. But which do you prefer?
Many of the designs I create are very detailed oriented. I love their artistic value but I also cherish super clean, simple, sexy solid color nails.
What do you think will be the breakthrough nail trend in 2019?
I think the new year will be filled with big stones and big diamonds. 2019 is about owning who you are and becoming the best version of yourself. With the right pressure, anyone can turn into a diamond!
What trend do you hope to never see again?
I want people to stick to one shape nail for the entire hand—I never want to see people with different shapes on each finger. It’s just tacky.
Having grown up in Japan, what do you see as the biggest difference between Japanese and American beauty ideals, specifically in regards to nails?
The biggest difference in beauty between Japanese and American culture is that Japanese culture still remains true to the more conservative nail styles. But America loves to be different and push the boundaries of expression and self through nails.
At what age did you realized you were destined to be a nail artist?
When I was 14 years old—I would draw on my nails in school with a Sharpie marker. It was hard for me to pay attention in class, and my art teacher told me that I could get a job painting people’s nails when I get older. And here I am, 20 years later.
What products or brands are you obsessed with right now?
I am in love with Luar—a clothing line designed by my best friend Raul Lopez who also inspires me greatly. I am also in love with the new Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polishes. They are amazing!
Follow @officebeautynyc for more interviews with our favorite makeup artists, Instagram beauty gurus, club kids and inside info from our office Beauty Committee.
After the show, office had the chance to pick Gill’s brain about his inspiration and all the big hair trends to look forward to in 2019—hint: grunge is still here to stay.
How did you originally get into hairdressing?
My mum was a hairstylist and I was inspired by her. I also was an out-of-control teenager and needed to focus on something creative. I fell into it and loved it from the minute I stepped in the salon—it allowed me to be out of control still, whilst being creative and focused.
While collaborating with Phillip Lim for NYFW, what was your creative process in interpreting his collection for your looks?
It’s very organic. Phillip, Nancy Rohde, the stylist, and I looked through the collection, then looked at the cast and decided on a texture. I find being spontaneous and acting on instinct at that moment is best for me. When I overthink or prepare, I box myself into an idea too much.
How would you describe the aesthetic you were going for?
Cool, easy, chic.
Do you find there to be a creative difference between styling hair for men and women?
Not particularly. My work has been described as crossgender, so I like to create the same things with the same process. I don’t like pretty hair that much.
Do you have any style icons or movements that have really impacted your career and your styles?
Youth culture, in general, and punk is an obvious one, but it’s been very influential for me. And of course, people like David Bowie. Real life and authenticity is the most important to me [when it comes to] inspiration.
What are the some of the hottest hair trends you think we’ll be seeing in 2019?
I feel like a reaction to the ’50s and ’60s looks we have been seeing, so maybe ’90s-inspired hair—from grunge to pop.
Follow @officebeautynyc for more backstage interviews with our favorite makeup artists, Instagram beauty gurus, club kids and inside info from our office Beauty Committee.
